What could this be?

Amys_Mum · 02-06-2017, 01:49 PM

Harvey is a female Syrian hamster, I'd guess at her being around 2 years old because we got her March 2015. She's been more or less fine in herself, although not coming out of her cage as much recently, although happy to be held when she does come out for food.

I cleaned out her cage on Saturday and she seemed lively enough then. I totally replaced the bedding, and the top layer of wood shavings. I did notice that the bedding wasn't especially wet which was unusual as she has had a tendency to wee inside the house but didn't think anything of that at the time.

I put out treats and noticed yesterday that she hadn't touched them but sprinkled some food around and she came out to pouch it so thought all ok. Got home tonight and treats still not touched, so made noise to encourage her out and handle her.

She had a damp patch under her tail. I've wiped with a damp cotton pad and it's poo and blood

I wiped a few times and it came away clean after the third wipe. She seems quieter than normal and went straight back into her house.

I'm not entirely sure what to do. If she is poorly, has this only come on since Saturday? As there was nothing when I cleaned her cage to suggest wet poo or blood, nothing especially smelly.

Do I need to get her to a vet tomorrow? Just concerned with her age that the trip alone could be fatal but equally I don't want her to die if she just needs some antibiotics.

Sorry it's long, just trying to think what clues there are as to what to do.

Drago · 02-06-2017, 02:01 PM

Definitely take her to the vet ASAP, it doesn't quite sound like the dreaded wet tail, but it's better to be safe than sorry and what you're describing is not normal for hams. Try to avoid 100% clean outs as these can be stressful and are really very unnecessary, especially if you keep up on spot cleaning. If possible, get her into the vet today/tonight (I understand U.K. time is a few hours ahead of my time, but if you tell your vet it's an emergency situation, which it is, you should be able to get in at any time) that would be preferable as hamsters can go downhill fast

I hope she feels better soon!

souffle · 02-06-2017, 02:12 PM

It doesn't sound like wet tail to me but she does need seen by a vet.
At this age it is more likely to be a womb infection. This does eventually cause bowel problems due to the infection. The root cause can be either an infection but there is sometimes something like a tumour. If the blood is bright red it is more likely there is a tumour in the bowel or womb I;m afraid.
At this age an op is unlikely to be an option but you could try antibiotics which can give some remission and she may rally for a little while. They won't cure it though.
Her behavior suggests she is in some discomfort already so you need to have her seen and take your vets advice and decide based on that whether she can be treated or whether giving her peaceful rest before she becomes very critical is best.
I hope her path is gentle wherever it leads

Amys_Mum · 02-06-2017, 02:58 PM

Oh dear, I was worried it was going to be something I couldn't sort myself. I've been on pyo watch ever since we worked out we had a girl rather than a boy

I can't get to the vets tonight unfortunately, our nearest out of hours is 10 miles away and I'm on my own with DD. I'll call our local one first thing, they are lovely there.

Should I leave her be now? Is there anything I can give her food wise that might make her feel a bit better?

souffle · 02-06-2017, 03:05 PM

I'd leave her be - you could offer something like some porridge or ready brek with a little sugar in it for energy. It's hard to tell online so hopefully the vet can get an better idea what is going on after an examination

InkyPen · 02-08-2017, 10:09 AM

How is she getting on, Amy's Mum?

Amys_Mum · 02-08-2017, 11:31 AM

Unfortunately, the vet confirmed pyometra. Harvey was really very poorly by the morning, she hadn't touched the cucumber or porridge I'd put out and I noticed more discharge and blood in her bedding which hadn't been there the night before.

The vet did offer antibiotics, but gently suggested that it was delaying the inevitable. As awful as it was to have to make a decision, I agreed for her to be PTS. She'd had a good life and was much loved, and it felt fairer to stop her suffering.

Missy_Crane · 02-08-2017, 01:00 PM

Oh no, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss

pyometra is awful. Sounds like you did the kindest thing for Harvey and I'm sure if she could she would thank you for being a good hammy mum x